Sunderland will have to look elsewhere in their search for a striker with Coventry City set to win the race to sign Ellis Simms from Everton. The Sky Blues are understood to be ready to pay between £6m and £8m for Simms and are in advanced talks with the player as they look for a replacement for Sweden international Viktor Gyokeres, who scored 21 Championship goals last season but is said to be closing in on a move to Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon.
Simms joined Sunderland last summer on a season-long loan and scored seven goals in 17 games for the Black Cats before the 22-year-old was recalled by Everton in January to help out in their battle against relegation from the Premier League. Sunderland had hoped that Simms might rejoin them later in January but that did not happen, although he went on to be only a bit-part player as the Toffeemen ultimately secured survival.
And they also enquired about the 22-year-old this summer with a view to bringing him back to Wearside but Everton's valuation placed him out of their price range. Coventry, Swansea City, and Ipswich Town were all interested in Simms, who has a year left on his deal at Everton, but the Sky Blues are expected to bank around £20m when Gyokeres moves on and that meant they were able to meet the Merseysiders' asking price.
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With Ross Stewart ruled out of the beginning of the season as he continues his recovery from the Achilles injury that has kept him out since January, and with Amad having returned to Manchester United at the end of the season following his loan spell, Sunderland desperately need to add more firepower this summer. At present, their only fit senior striker is 19-year-old Luis Semedo who joined from Benfica last month, and he has no experience of English football and will need time to adjust.
Head coach Tony Mowbray has already said that Sunderland are looking to bring in more new recruits and a striker - or two - are right at the top of his wishlist.
